2013 Kawasaki Ninja 650 (ABS) | Preview

Since its debut in 2006, the Kawasaki Ninja 650 has provided a practical sportbike platform, offering comfort, aggressive styling, a responsive perimeter-style frame and a bulletproof parallel twin.

An immediate favorite of newbies to the sportbike scene, the mid-weight ninja was lacking some newbie-friendly tech features, though, such as ABS. But Kawasaki has changed this for the 2013 Ninja 650, offering the bike with optional ABS for $8,099 for a mere $500 over the MSRP of the standard Ninja 650.

The character of the 2013 Ninja 650 begins with the compact, liquid-cooled 649cc parallel twin with Digital Fuel Injection, which features 38mm throttle bodies with sub-throttles for “precise fueling and optimum response.”

The twin features much technology, arriving with dual-overhead cams that act on eight lightweight valves, lightweight pistons, and a 180-degree crank assembly. The engine, which is hooked to six-speed transmission, produces optimal low- and mid-range torque, all while getting a distance-friendly 50 mpg.

The narrow engine is contained within a twin-pipe perimeter frame that offers “balanced rigidity, and a narrow-waisted design for a comfortable reach to the ground,” the Ninja 650 offering a friendly 31.7-inch seat height. The slim frame utilizes a swingarm with forged axle holders, allowing the rear wheel to arc through its suspension travel, providing further aesthetics.

Up front, the Ninja 650 features a 41mm hydraulic telescopic fork that offers 4.9 inches of suspension travel, with a single offset laydown shock with adjustable spring preload offering 5.1 inches of travel out back. The bike rolls on six-spoke, lightweight aluminum wheels wrapped in Dunlop’s Roadsmart II tires, helping to achieve the “sporty-yet-comfortable” ethos that please the Ninja 650 fan.

And all points where the rider meets the motorcycle – the handlebar, saddle and footpets – are rubber mounted for vibration control, adding additional comfort. The Ninja 650 also features upright ergonomics, and an instrument panel that features an analog tachometer situated above an LCD info-center that displays speed, fuel consumption, remaining range, trip meters, etc., plus a swath of info-lights to the right.

And along with the performance and comfort of the Ninja 650 arrives sportbike styling. Kawasaki borrowed many styling techniques from the Ninja’s siblings, such as the sharp and defined lines of the ZX-10R. Kawasaki says the body parts add to its aerodynamic tendencies, while an adjustable, 3-position windscreen allows riders to tailor the cockpit’s still-air cocoon for maximum riding comfort. Engine heat is routed rearward, further adding to the comfort level.

Performance, comfort, and aggressive bodywork all define the Ninja 650. But for 2013, additional safety is added to this mix with the optional ABS.

Following are the highlights, specs, color options and MSRP for the 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 650 (ABS).